By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         As of September 30, 2025, federal law and Executive Order 14247 require federal benefits to be paid electronically. To improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance security in federal payments, the Department of the Treasury is phasing out paper checks. Social Security plans to complete the transition to electronic payments for all beneficiaries this … Continue reading Social Security to fully transition to electronic payments

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         For many older adults, staying connected, informed, and independent is important. Sometimes, a little help from a trusted friend, family member, neighbor, or caregiver can make everyday tasks easier and less stressful. Whether it’s helping someone create a personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount, reminding them about important documents, or simply checking in regularly, small acts … Continue reading Small Acts of support can make a big difference in the lives of older Americans

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         As part of a government-wide effort to streamline payment processes, Social Security is making it easier and safer for you to repay any overpayment you owe. If you’ve received an overpayment notice from us, you can now pay it back online using Pay.gov—or Online Bill Pay on the Bureau of the Fiscal Service … Continue reading Go digital! repay your overpayment online quickly and securely

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         When you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and work, reporting your wages to Social Security accurately and on time is important to ensure you receive the payment you are eligible for. Reporting your wages to us helps ensure that your SSI payments are calculated correctly and prevents overpayments or underpayments. Understanding the process … Continue reading Getting SSI and Working? What You Need to Know

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         For 91 years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been a cornerstone in every American’s retirement plan and provided support for survivors, families, people with disabilities, and our nation’s most vulnerable. SSA sends out approximately 75 million payments each month, totaling $1.6 trillion throughout the year. In addition to paying benefits, the agency … Continue reading Celebrating 91 Years of Social Security

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         Millions of Americans rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to help meet their basic needs. Last year, we created the SSI Improvement Team to make the SSI program more efficient. The team’s goal is to speed up SSI processing, reduce payment errors, use more automation, and help recipients better understand and comply with … Continue reading We are making the Supplemental Security Income program more efficient

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         Losing a spouse is difficult emotionally and financially. Social Security can help during this time. When your spouse passes away, you may be able to get benefits as a surviving spouse – even if you’re divorced. You may be eligible for survivor benefits if: You are age 60 or older (or 50+ if … Continue reading Social Security Survivor Benefits: Protection From Your Family

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         Social Security is a vital part of your financial plan, and we offer a variety of resources and tools to help you make informed decisions about your retirement and overall financial wellness. Knowledge is power and preparation starts with information Learning about your benefits, how we calculate them, and the right time to … Continue reading Plan your financial future with Social Security

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         For young people transitioning out of foster care, the move into adulthood can come with both opportunities and challenges. Access to reliable information, financial resources, and trusted support systems can make an important difference during this transition. At Social Security, we’re committed to helping young people understand the benefits and services available to … Continue reading Foster Care: Supporting Youth As They Transition Into Adulthood

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         Your personal my Social Security account at http://www.ssa.gov/myaccount is your secure access point to Social Security services. Whether you’re planning for retirement or updating your information, your personal account is designed to make your experience smooth and convenient. What’s New? We’ve updated the online portal with a new design and enhanced functionality to better align with … Continue reading Explore the latest enhancements to your online My Social Security account Portal